Parents can be at a loss to know how to change their child’s behaviour. They can feel like they have tried everything and are at their ‘wits end’. Our individual approach to parenting allows the psychologist to fully understand the child’s behaviour and the impact it can have on the family environment. Children are all born into the world with an innate desire to connect and be in relationships with their parents/caregivers. Misbehaviour is never their first choice. The psychologist will support parents to understand the child’s behaviour and develop and trial strategies to support changes to behaviour.

All parents are doing the very best they can. It can be difficult to ask for help for something as important to parents as parenting. Asking for help is not about being judged or blamed, but recognises that the child-parent relationship can be a challenge, as can all relationships.

Psychologists recognise the vital role that parents and caregivers play in supporting their children. Whereas the parents are the experts in their child, the psychologists can use their expertise to support the parent with the knowledge and strategies around the specific behavioural challenges you face.

Rose Park Psychology also recognises that a parenting role is sometimes taken on by someone other than a ‘parent’. People who take on this role are equally important to the child’s development, and may face the same challenges as any other parent. We are able to help people in a range of parenting or care-giving roles, and value the contributions of all such people equally.

Children with a Mental Health Disorder

We ask that the parent(s) attend an initial session with the psychologist before bringing in the child, so that the psychologist can be fully briefed about the problem before seeing the child. We support parents to help their children, and recognise the important role parents play in maintaining therapy gains outside of sessions.

Our psychologists are also trained to provide support to children for more serious problems such as developmental delay, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorders. Parents are given education about relevant disorders and are involved in the child’s treatment program.

Mental Health Care Plan Rebate

It is up to your GP to decide if mental health issues are the main reason for the child’s behaviour problems and if a Mental Health Care Plan is appropriate. Under this plan, a Medicare rebate will apply to sessions. You can book an extended appointment with your GP for an assessment. Unfortunately, if the plan is for the child, when you see the psychologist yourself you are unable to receive a Medicare rebate. We ask that you do attend a private session, before the child attends, so the psychologist can hear your concerns and note down relevant history.

Sometimes when a child’s behaviour causes significant stress or anxiety in the home, parents have sought a Mental Health Care Plan for themselves, enabling them to seek support to manage their own mental health struggles in the context of their child’s behaviour.

Private Health Care Rebate

If a diagnosis for you or your child is not involved, or if you prefer to attend privately, you can come without a GP referral. If you have private health cover and would like to know how much your rebate will be, we recommend you contact your health provider for more information, as we cannot know what your rebate will be ahead of time. We have HICAPS facilities on site.

Booking an Appointment

If you would like to request an appointment for parenting support, please feel free to use the appointment request page. Alternatively, if you would like to have some more information before making an appointment, you are welcome to contact us, and one of our friendly receptionists will be happy to assist you. We can be contacted over the phone on (08) 8333 0940 or via email at admin@roseparkpsychology.com.au